Eco Care Pest Managementhttps://www.ecocarepest.com
Exterminators, Pest Control, Mice Control, Termite Control, Wasp RemovalWed, 22 May 2019 18:48:04 +0000en-US
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3232What To Do If You’re Bitten By A Spiderhttps://www.ecocarepest.com/what-to-do-if-youre-bitten-by-a-spider/
https://www.ecocarepest.com/what-to-do-if-youre-bitten-by-a-spider/#respondThu, 28 Mar 2019 18:17:55 +0000https://www.ecocarepest.com/?p=6477We recently talked about all the different types of spiders you might encounter in Maryland. Luckily, most of them are relatively harmless. Most spider bites cause minor bruising or swelling. But not all of them! Some spider bites may require immediate medical attention—as in a trip to the emergency room!

We recently talked about all the different types of spiders you might encounter in Maryland. Luckily, most of them are relatively harmless. Most spider bites cause minor bruising or swelling. But not all of them! Some spider bites may require immediate medical attention—as in a trip to the emergency room! (Side note: This is another reason to do everything you can to prevent an infestation).

So what should you do if you’re bitten? Here are the steps you should take to ensure your safety and health.

When to seek emergency care

There are two types of spiders whose bites can be deadly—the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse spider. If you’re unsure of whether a bite came from either of these, or another type of spider, it’s best to seek medical care immediately, just to be on the safe side. Additionally, if you (or someone who’s been bitten) experience any of the following symptoms, we highly recommend going to the emergency room:

Severe pain

Abdominal cramping

Immense swelling

Trouble with or lack of breathing

How to care for a spider bite

If you are not experiencing any of the above symptoms, you can treat the spider bite at home, following these steps:

Clean the wound with mild soap and warm water.

Apply antibiotic to the wound

Apply a cold compress such as a towel filled with ice or dampened with cool water. This will help reduce swelling.

Take over-the-counter pain medication if needed. If the wound is itchy, take an antihistamine or apply calamine lotion.

How to identify deadly spiders

Of course, it’s best to know how to identify deadly spiders so you can avoid them in the first place. As mentioned, the two main ones you might find in Maryland are the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse spiders.

The Black Widow is famous for its black body and bright red hourglass marking on its bellow. However, this is only true of the females; the males and babies tend to be brown. Plus, some females have red spots instead of the more hourglass marking.

The Brown Recluse spider might be a little more difficult to identify. As the name suggest, it’s brown—but so are many other spiders. The main distinctive feature of the Brown Recluse is the violin shape on its back, though this can be difficult to see. Typically, Brown Recluses have only two tone pigmentations on their back. If it has stripes or spots, it is not likely a Brown Recluse.

If you spot these pests and need assistance, don’t hesitate to call us

If you see either of these spiders, or a large infestation of any type of spider, be sure to call a professional to handle it. That call might just save you a trip to the ER!

]]>https://www.ecocarepest.com/what-to-do-if-youre-bitten-by-a-spider/feed/03 Ants That Want To Invade Your Home And How To Stop Themhttps://www.ecocarepest.com/3-ants-that-want-to-invade-your-home-and-how-to-stop-them/
https://www.ecocarepest.com/3-ants-that-want-to-invade-your-home-and-how-to-stop-them/#respondTue, 12 Mar 2019 18:40:31 +0000https://www.ecocarepest.com/?p=6485Ants are one of the more prevalent and hard to get rid of pests you might encounter in your yard or home. Surprisingly, there are a wide variety of ants that inhabit Maryland, some of which are relatively harmless and some of which can do significant damage to your home or even hurt you.

Ants are one of the more prevalent and hard to get rid of pests you might encounter in your yard or home. Surprisingly, there are a wide variety of ants that inhabit Maryland, some of which are relatively harmless and some of which can do significant damage to your home or even hurt you.

That’s why it’s important to know how to recognize and deal with them. Here are three different types of ants you might find in Maryland and some tips for getting rid of them.

Carpenter Ants

We talked about carpenter bees previously, but ants also have a wood-boring species. These large, black ants like to burrow and next in wood that’s wet, but they can also expand their colony to dry wood or insulation. They like to dig tunnels and lay eggs in them, and can do massive amounts of damage to a home if not caught and exterminated. Be especially wary if you see winged versions, as that means they have developed a nest.

To get rid of them, it’s best to try to replace any wet or rotting wood, as well as to find the source of the moisture and eliminate it as best you can. Chemical treatment may be necessary if they’ve developed a nest.

Odorous Ants

One of the more common ants you might see in your house, these little black or brown creatures get their name from their smell, which some say smells like rotten coconut. They prefer warm and moist environments, and can often be found in kitchen cupboards or pantries. They are particularly attracted to sweets but also meats, and as such carry the threat of contaminating food.

To get rid of them, it’s important to clean up any areas that have sugary substances lying around. Be sure to put all food sources into sealable, air-tight packages such as a Tupperware container. Because these ants typically enter the home through cracks, it’s a good idea to inspect and seal up your foundation, window sills, and other areas where they might get in.

Pavement Ants

If you’ve ever seen an anthill in your yard, it’s likely this was the home of colony of pavement ants. These ants tend only to go into homes in search of food, but they make their nests and burrow large networks of tunnels along sidewalks, under home foundations, in dirt basements, and near stone walls. This can make them very difficult to get rid of, as their nests can stretch around a house and throughout a yard. While there are some over-the-counter chemical treatments available, it may be necessary to have a professional set up a home shield or other type of elimination system to prevent major damage or contamination.

Don’t hesitate to call us

If you’ve seen these or any other types of ants around your home or yard, don’t panic! Call a professional exterminator to assess the situation and provide an ecological solution for getting rid of them!

]]>https://www.ecocarepest.com/3-ants-that-want-to-invade-your-home-and-how-to-stop-them/feed/0Four Insects You Can Expect To See This Springhttps://www.ecocarepest.com/four-insects-you-can-expect-to-see-this-spring/
https://www.ecocarepest.com/four-insects-you-can-expect-to-see-this-spring/#respondThu, 28 Feb 2019 19:08:26 +0000https://www.ecocarepest.com/?p=6472Spring is right around the corner and that means one thing (at least in terms of pest control): A lot more insects! As the weather gets warmer, insects start to lay eggs, which then hatch their larva. And of course, those larva need food (it’s the cycle of life, after all). That could be trees or bushes, but it could also be your home.

Spring is right around the corner and that means one thing (at least in terms of pest control): A lot more insects! As the weather gets warmer, insects start to lay eggs, which then hatch their larva. And of course, those larva need food (it’s the cycle of life, after all). That could be trees or bushes, but it could also be your home.

Aside from ants and termites, there are a number of other insects you might want to look out for in these warmer days. Here are a couple to pay attention to.

Boxelder Bug

Boxelders are quite common throughout our region. They’re typically about ½ inch long with black and red wings. They mainly feed on trees and tree sap, but they can also get into homes, particularly if the home is surrounded by ash, maple, cherry, or other seed-bearing trees. While they tend not to cause significant damage to homes, their feces can leave stains. They also tend to release an unpleasant odor when crushed (similar to the stinkbug).

Carpenter Bees

What looks like a bumblebee but eats your house? A carpenter bee! These flying creatures can be highly destructive, boring holes into wood surfaces to lay their eggs in the spring. The good news is that they tend not to sting. The bad news—they can cause a lot of damage. Signs you might have them include holes in wood, collected sawdust on the ground from their boring, and a seemingly non-stop scratching sound (that’s the sound of them making holes).

Centipedes

These creepy crawlies love the spring for its damp, cool weather. While they’re mostly found outdoors, such as under rocks or in rotten wood, they can find themselves indoors if they can find similar conditions. That’s often in basements, but it could also be crawl spaces, under sinks, or even in closets. They’re also venomous, so if you see them, be sure to stay away and call a professional!

Fleas

If you have pets, you have to be extremely wary of flea infestations. If your pet goes outside and brings in fleas, they can get in your couch, your carpet, your bed—basically anything cloth. And getting rid of them can be a real nightmare because they breed extremely rapidly. In fact, even if your pets don’t go outside, fleas can still be attracted to and infest your home. They simply need to attach themselves to your shoes, clothing, or even your legs. They’re very hard to spot, as they’re so small, but one sign that you have an infestation is if you find small, red, itchy bumps on your skin.

These are just a few spring insect threats you might face.

If you want more information or think you already have an infestation, give us a call. We can inspect your home and provide safe, environmentally-friendly pest control.

]]>https://www.ecocarepest.com/four-insects-you-can-expect-to-see-this-spring/feed/0What To Do If You Have Bed Bugshttps://www.ecocarepest.com/what-to-do-if-you-have-bed-bugs/
https://www.ecocarepest.com/what-to-do-if-you-have-bed-bugs/#respondMon, 28 Jan 2019 18:54:46 +0000https://www.ecocarepest.com/?p=6467Bed bugs are the scourge of hotels and homeowners alike, as they’re often extremely difficult to get rid of. They’re small pests that live off the blood of humans and animals, and they can cause itching and rashes. They can also transmit parasites that can cause the deadly Chagas disease, which kills about 50,000 people per year globally. And while they’re usually found in mattresses, if left unchecked, bed bug populations can spread to other parts of the house.

Bed bugs are the scourge of hotels and homeowners alike, as they’re often extremely difficult to get rid of. They’re small pests that live off the blood of humans and animals, and they can cause itching and rashes. They can also transmit parasites that can cause the deadly Chagas disease, which kills about 50,000 people per year globally. And while they’re usually found in mattresses, if left unchecked, bed bug populations can spread to other parts of the house.

Luckily, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your family should you find bed bugs. Let’s take a look at some of them.

How do you know if you have bed bugs?

Bed bugs are small and sometimes hard to see with the naked eye, so it’s important to recognize the signs of a bed bug infestation. The first sing you’re likely to notice is red marks on any skin that was exposed at night. These marks may not cause any problems at first, but will likely become itchy welts later on (you can treat them with calamine or hydrocortisone lotion to reduce itchiness). Other signs include:

Blood spots on pillow cases or sheets

Dark spots from bed bug excrement on sheets, mattresses, the bed frame, clothes, or even the wall

Bed bug egg shells or shed skin in nooks and crevices (where they like to hide)

A musty odor (a product of the bug’s scent glands)

Burn the mattress?

Now, the first reaction to finding out you have bed bugs might be to burn your mattress—if not your entire house (similar reactions to spiders are quite common). While you might have to get rid of your mattress, never fear—your house is safe.

Joking aside, it’s usually best to dispose of any mattress that exhibit signs of an infestation. The bugs will burrow under the surface of the mattress and lay eggs, making it nearly impossible to treat. Any bedding or clothes that have been exposed, however, are salvageable. Simply wash and dry them on the highest temperature settings possible. That should kill any larvae or eggs.

Clean Like You’ve Never Cleaned Before

Because bed bugs can spread out, it’s a good idea to thoroughly clean the area around the infestation as well as other parts of the room. That includes washing any curtains near your bed, stuff animals, or other materials.

It’s also a good idea to thoroughly clean your bed (including the frame) and surrounding areas. If you have carpeting, we highly recommend a steam cleaning, which will kill and vacuum up any larvae and eggs. Lastly, remove any clutter from around your bed. Basically, the clearer your area the fewer places bed bugs will have to hide.

Call a Pro!

Unfortunately, there aren’t many off the shelf insecticides that are effective against bed bugs and that are safe for use in the bedroom. That’s where a professional exterminator can come in handy. We use specially formulated chemicals to safely treat infested areas, ensuring you’re free of bugs but also healthy.

If You Have Any Major Pest Infestations, Call A Pest Control Professional

If you think you have a bed bug infestation, give us a call. We’re happy to take a look and suggest an appropriate treatment.

]]>https://www.ecocarepest.com/what-to-do-if-you-have-bed-bugs/feed/03 Common House Plant Bugs And How To Get Rid Of Themhttps://www.ecocarepest.com/3-common-house-plant-bugs-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them/
https://www.ecocarepest.com/3-common-house-plant-bugs-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them/#respondMon, 28 Jan 2019 18:39:23 +0000https://www.ecocarepest.com/?p=6458There’s a funny urban legend about a woman buying a cactus at a home furnishings store. She takes it home, finds a nice place for it, and leaves it. A little later, out of the corner of her eye, she thinks she sees the cactus plant moving. She turns to look, but it’s not moving. Later, she thinks she sees it moving again. This time, she goes to inspect the plant, only to find it wasn’t the plant that was moving, but thousands of tiny spiders!

There’s a funny urban legend about a woman buying a cactus at a home furnishings store. She takes it home, finds a nice place for it, and leaves it. A little later, out of the corner of her eye, she thinks she sees the cactus plant moving. She turns to look, but it’s not moving. Later, she thinks she sees it moving again. This time, she goes to inspect the plant, only to find it wasn’t the plant that was moving, but thousands of tiny spiders! Completely freaked out, she sets the house on fire and runs out, glad to have barely escaped the clutches of death while the spiders—and all her personal belongings—suffer a fiery death.

Of course, this is just an urban legend, and there are many similar versions—scorpions, tarantulas, etc. But we’re in the season where houseplants are a common purchase, and it’s definitely possible for them to carry some unwelcomed stowaways. Here are a few more common ones you might find—and how to get rid of them.

Aphids

Aphids are among the most common insects you might find on houseplants, but they’re also one of the more deadly ones—as far as the plant is concerned. They basically suck the sap out of the plant, preventing it from growing. In extreme cases, they can even kill a plant. The easiest way to get rid of aphids is with ladybugs, aphids’ natural predator, but if you don’t want additional bugs in your house then you can also spray your plants with neem oil or vinegar. There are also some insecticidal soaps you can use, but be careful of using them in a closed space, as they can also be toxic to pets and humans.

Fungus Gnats

These little flying pests love some of the more holiday-type plants like poinsettias, but also go for geraniums, African violets, and carnations. They’re small, grey-black flies that might even look like mosquitos. They particularly like damp soil, and are commonly found when plants get too much water. They can be dealt with in a number of ways, but the first step should be to cut back on watering, which kills larvae and slows or stops the development of new eggs. You can also apply sticky traps near the soil surface to capture any egg-laying adults. Lastly, natural insect killers containing peppermint, cinnamon, and sesame oils can help to get rid of these pests.

Spider Mite

While that new cactus might not be full of spiders, it’s common to find spider mites on plants. These tiny spiders are barely visible to the naked eye, but the webbing they weave around your plants makes an infestation easier to identify. Additionally, if your plants are infested, they will likely have patterns of small spots or stippling. While most of their damage is aesthetic, they can destroy houseplants if left unchecked. Unlike other pests, using pesticides generally has little effect on these creatures, as they’re able to develop resistances, and it’s therefore better to use natural treatments. The first step in stamping out a spider mite infestation is to simply wash off your plants. Also be sure to cut off any parts that seem infected to prevent them from spreading to new parts of the plant. Additionally, there are a number of natural treatments, such as Neem oil and other organic insecticides.

If You Have Any Major Pest Infestations, Call A Pest Control Professional

We’re happy to take a look and suggest a safe course of action. Contact us for a free estimate to remove pesky creatures from your property.

]]>https://www.ecocarepest.com/3-common-house-plant-bugs-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them/feed/0Eco Care Earns Esteemed 2018 Angie’s List Super Service Awardhttps://www.ecocarepest.com/eco-care-earns-esteemed-2018-angies-list-super-service-award/
https://www.ecocarepest.com/eco-care-earns-esteemed-2018-angies-list-super-service-award/#respondWed, 23 Jan 2019 21:35:04 +0000https://www.ecocarepest.com/?p=6446Eco Care is proud to announce that we have earned the home service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award (SSA). This award honors service professionals who have maintained exceptional service ratings and reviews on Angie’s List in 2018.

This Award reflects our company’s consistently high level of customer service

Ellicott City, MD – Eco Care Pest Management is proud to announce that it has earned the home service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award (SSA). This award honors service professionals who have maintained exceptional service ratings and reviews on Angie’s List in 2018.

“Service pros that receive our Angie’s List Super Service Award represent the best in our network, who are consistently making great customer service their mission,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “These pros have provided exceptional service to our members and absolutely deserve recognition for the exemplary customer service they exhibited in the past year.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2018 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include maintaining an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade and review period grade. The SSA winners must be in good standing with Angie’s List and undergo additional screening.

“We are extremely proud of this award. Here at Eco Care we stand by our work, period. This award speaks to the high level of service carried out by our entire staff. Thank you to Angie’s List, our customers, and our team for helping us achieve this award.”

Eco Care Pest Management has been listed on Angie’s List since 2007. This is the 11th year Eco Care has received this honor.

Service company ratings are updated continually on Angie’s List as new, verified consumer reviews are submitted. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in multiple fields ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

For over two decades Angie’s List has been a trusted name for connecting consumers to top-rated service professionals. Angie’s List provides unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.

]]>https://www.ecocarepest.com/eco-care-earns-esteemed-2018-angies-list-super-service-award/feed/0How to Protect Your Home from Micehttps://www.ecocarepest.com/how-to-protect-your-home-from-mice/
https://www.ecocarepest.com/how-to-protect-your-home-from-mice/#respondFri, 21 Dec 2018 16:43:14 +0000https://www.ecocarepest.com/?p=6431As temperatures continue to drop and our thermostats continue to climb, our homes are starting to become an inviting place for mice to make their winter home. This is particularly true if you live in heavily wooded areas, though we’ve seen plenty of mice and other rodents in city settings as well.

As temperatures continue to drop and our thermostats continue to climb, our homes are starting to become an inviting place for mice to make their winter home. This is particularly true if you live in heavily wooded areas, though we’ve seen plenty of mice and other rodents in city settings as well.

It’s important to stay on top of any potential infestations, as mice usually live in groups. If you see one, there are bound to be others. The most obvious signs of an invasion is finding droppings around the house, often in dirty or cluttered areas. But they can even live in the walls for a while, eating away at wooden or beams, drywall, insulation, or even wiring. What’s more, mice can carry both diseases and other pests into your home, such as ticks or fleas (particularly dangerous if you have pets).

Of course, prevention is the best way to fight a mice infestation, and now’s the perfect time of year to make sure your house is in top mice-repelling shape before it gets too cold—or too late. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Seal It Up

Mice are extremely flexible little creatures that can find their ways into homes through small cracks or holes in foundations or walls. Walk around both the inside and outside of your house, looking for and filling in any potential openings that mice could get in. Fill them with caulk or expanding foam spray. Also, check out the walls and corners around your home, and fill in any openings on that end as well. This will help prevent mice from getting into your walls and home.

Keep It Clean

Mice love clutter, both inside and outside your home. On the inside, clean up any piles of old clothes, either putting them away in a closet (treated for moths, of course), or at least in some sort of sealable plastic container. Neither of these are foolproof for preventing mice from making a next, but it’ll go a long way towards removing an attractive environment.

Additionally, mice love to nest in piles of paper, so be sure to clean out any old magazines, books, newspapers, or even record albums that might be cluttering your basement or garage.

Finally, if you have a pantry, be sure to clean it out thoroughly. Mice love to gnaw through packages of flour, pasta, rice, or other grains. Remove any partially opened packages, placing contents in a sealable container, and wipe down the shelves to remove any loose pieces of food.

Of course, if you follow these tip and you still see signs of mice (or spot them) in your house, call us! We can safely and ecologically treat infested areas of your home so you don’t have to worry about any unwelcomed guests!

If you’ve seen see signs of mice (or spot them) in your house, we can help.

Contact us for a free estimate to remove pesky creatures from your property.

]]>https://www.ecocarepest.com/how-to-protect-your-home-from-mice/feed/0Look Out, The Lanternflies Are Coming!https://www.ecocarepest.com/look-out-the-lanternflies-are-coming/
https://www.ecocarepest.com/look-out-the-lanternflies-are-coming/#respondSun, 11 Nov 2018 16:51:18 +0000https://www.ecocarepest.com/?p=6439Lanternflies, an invasive Asian insect that looks similar to a moth and feasts on more than 70 types of plants and crops, were recently spotted in Maryland

Actually, they’re already here. Lanternflies, an invasive Asian insect that looks similar to a moth and feasts on more than 70 types of plants and crops, were recently spotted in Maryland. This sighting comes four years after first being seen in Pennsylvania, where the population has exploded and is projected to cause $18 billion in damages.

Not only can these pests destroy massive amounts of crops very quickly, but they can also go after hardwood forests, threatening the lumber industry. Lanterflies tend to travel in large hordes, sometimes numbering in the thousands, feasting on plant and tree sap and excreting a sticky goo that essential suffocates their victims.

While lanternflies don’t necessarily pose as much of a threat to homes specifically, they can still certainly destroy some trees you may have on your property, including oak and pine trees. Luckily, they’re fairly easy to identify, thanks to their very unique markings. According to a horticulturist with Penn State Extension, 98 percent of the people reporting sightings have correctly identified the insect.

The lanternfly changes appearance as it goes through five developmental stages. In the first stage, which lasts only a few weeks, it will be shiny, black, and covered with white spots. The spots become bright red by midsummer. By adulthood, the lanternfly is about an inch long and half an inch wide, developing grayish-brown wings with black spots and a yellow body that resembles a bumblebee.

So, what should you do to avoid an infestation? Luckily, we’re nearing the end of the season for them, so it’s likely you won’t see them at all. Still, there are a handful of plants that lanternflies are drawn to that you might find on your property, and this is a good time of year to address them. Of course, you probably don’t want to fell any old-growth oak or pine trees, but one plant in particular is called a “tree of heaven.” These plants, also a native to Asia, are an invasive plant species and should probably be removed anyway, as they can overtake native plants.

What should you do if you spot a lanternfly? First, you should contact the Maryland State Department of Natural Resources to report it through their Statewide Eyes program. Secondly, you should call us! We can properly address any lanternfly infestations you might find on your property in the most ecological way possible.

Even if these pests don’t seem to be affecting your property, it’s still important to report them. They can spread incredibly fast and, as mentioned, do a huge amount of damage to corps and forests. Our ecosystem is fragile enough and everyone needs to do their part to protect it.

What should you do if you spot a lanternfly?

We can properly address any lanternfly infestations you might find on your property in the most ecological way possible.

]]>https://www.ecocarepest.com/look-out-the-lanternflies-are-coming/feed/0How To Avoid A Raccoon Invasion, And What To Do If You Have Onehttps://www.ecocarepest.com/how-to-avoid-a-raccoon-invasion/
https://www.ecocarepest.com/how-to-avoid-a-raccoon-invasion/#respondFri, 14 Sep 2018 15:39:38 +0000https://www.ecocarepest.com/?p=6409From far away, raccoons may seem cute and cuddly (at least to some of us), but they can actually be a significant nuisance, and even be dangerous to you and your family.

From far away, raccoons may seem cute and cuddly (at least to some of us), but they can actually be a significant nuisance, and even be dangerous to you and your family. From knocking trash cans over to ripping apart your house to spreading dangerous diseases, having raccoons in your area can pose a real risk. Luckily, it’s relatively easy to avoid attracting them. Here are a few tips to help you ensure raccoons don’t invade your property, and a couple of things you can do should they make their home on your property (or worse—inside your home).

Remove The Attractants

The easiest way to prevent a raccoon invasion is to remove the things from your property that attract them in the first place. This should include:

Using secure covers for your trash cans

Don’t leave food outside, such as on your patio, or for a pet (or even other wild animals)

Remove wood piles (where raccoons like to nest)

Trim overgrown bushes (another place they like to nest)

Remove branches or trellises that allow access to your roof

Cover open spaces leading to under your house (another place they might like to nest)

Scare Them Off

If you’re seeing raccoons in your area too often, you may want to consider getting a dog and letting it roam your backyard. Raccoons typically avoid areas where they sense other animals, and a larger dog will likely leave behind a scent that will deter raccoons from getting into your yard. Additionally, a dog’s bark will likely scare them away.

That said, not everyone wants or can own a dog. If that’s the case for you, consider getting motion-activated lights or water sprinklers. Just remember, raccoons are really smart creatures, and they learn very quickly. That might mean trying a variety of tactics to see what works. For example, if you’re using a sprinkler, try to reposition it every day in a random direction. By doing this, raccoons won’t be able to learn what parts of your property to avoid.

Give Them A Shocking Experience

One extreme solution is to get a fence, but not any fence—an electric fence. Like most animals (and people), raccoons don’t like to be shocked, and an electric fence will ensure that they don’t climb in.

If you’ve seen raccoons in your area, we can help.

Contact us for a free estimate to remove this pesky creature from your property.

]]>https://www.ecocarepest.com/how-to-avoid-a-raccoon-invasion/feed/0Invasive Species Alert: Longhorned Tick Invades Marylandhttps://www.ecocarepest.com/invasive-species-alert-longhorned-tick-invades-maryland/
https://www.ecocarepest.com/invasive-species-alert-longhorned-tick-invades-maryland/#respondTue, 14 Aug 2018 15:25:06 +0000https://www.ecocarepest.com/?p=6403An extremely dangerous species of tick has invaded Maryland, according to the Maryland Veterinary Medical Association. In a press release from early August, the organization announced that it has “confirmed the presence” of the East Asian Tick, also known as the Longhorned or Bush Tick, in Maryland.

This particular species is a particularly deadly parasite, attaching to livestock, wild animals like deer and raccoons, as well as dogs, cats, and humans. They’re particularly known for spreading a variety of diseases that are often lethal, including an “emerging virus that kills up to 30 percent of victims.” Moreover, this species typically attaches in larger numbers, and can even quickly kill young animals by draining them entirely of blood. What’s even more troubling is that these insects can reproduce asexually, i.e. without mating, dropping as many as 2,000 eggs in only two to three weeks!

Seven other states have confirmed longhorned tick sightings, including Arkansas, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. And while there have yet to be any reports of human infections, it’s a good idea to protect yourself and your pets. Here are a few tips to help you.

Maintain your property: Longhorned ticks like to hang out in tall grasses, meadows, and wooded areas. As such, it’s a good idea to keep your lawn cut short. If you have a lot of trees and/or bushes on your property, it’s best to spray approved repellants in areas where these ticks potentially could live.

Protect your pets: If you have dogs and cats, be sure to give them anti-trick treatments such as Frontline. Consult with your veterinarian for the best treatment methods.

Avoid wooded, bushy, and high-grass areas: The MDVMA suggest staying away from areas that have a high chance of containing these ticks. Additionally, the organization suggests wearing long sleeves and long pants if you’re going into these types of environments.

Help combat the spread: If you come across a tick, it is highly recommended you notify the Maryland Department of Health, using this Tick Identification Form. Additionally, notify your doctor if you find a tick (this species or other) on you or your family members.

If you’re concerned about ticks invading your property, we can help. Contact us for a free estimate for protecting your home from this deadly invader.